Optimizing Your XPLOR Solar Panels and RedArc Charging System
XPLOR Solar Panels are often paired with the RedArc Manager 30 and BCDC in-vehicle chargers. we wanted to share some insight on the components and how to ensure compatibility.
There have been reports of the RedArc systems shutting down due to an over-voltage scenario when XPLOR 180-watt panels are connected to the system.
The RedArc Manager 30 and the BCDC chargers are very popular and well-designed battery management systems. With them being a common component choice that our customers use with their solar power setup, we have some tips on how to make the devices work well together for you and a solution for the system-shut-down issue.
The Problem:
RedArc system shuts off with high voltage input
Comparing the specs of the RedArc system to the XPLOR 180-watt panel, you’ll note that the maximum input voltage for the RedArc system is 32 volts. The XPLOR Solar Panel is such a high-output and efficient unit that the maximum output voltage for the XPLOR panel is 36 volts. This will often cause the RedArc to shut down due to an over-voltage scenario.
If you are using smaller XPLOR panels, this shouldn’t be an issue. The maximum output of our 126-watt panel is 25 volts, and the 105-watt panel output is 21 volts.
Why does the RedArc system shut off with a 180-watt XPLOR panel?
Simply, the RedArc Manager 30 and the BCDC in-vehicle chargers have a 32-volt input limitation. This means that as per design, any voltage input over 32 volts (such as a 180-watt XPLOR panel with 36 volts of power output) will trigger the RedArc system to shut down, thus not allowing the solar panels to charge your batteries.
Can I use a 180-watt XPLOR panel with a RedArc system?
Yes, with a few tweaks. We have two options for you that will remedy the issue.
Add a secondary solar charge controller either directly to the battery or to the RedArc system.
Use smaller XPLOR panels in parallel instead of the 180-watt solar panels.
Let’s go into a little more detail with these options:
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Since the shutdown issue is only with the larger panels, the best option and what we recommend first is to simply use the smaller panels. Depending on your setup, you can run two 105-watt or two 126-watt panels in parallel instead of one (or more) of the larger panels. This will keep your output voltage well under 32 volts and won’t trigger the RedArc system to shut down.
This will create a bit more labor during your initial setup, and you will have more visible wiring.
Of course, if you already have the larger panels, you probably won’t want to change them out. Luckily we have another solution!
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If you decide a larger panel is the direction you want to go, or you already have the 180-watt solar panel installed, you can use a secondary voltage regulator to take the panel’s voltage down below RedArc’s threshold.
There are numerous products you can use for this, but after testing several products, we prefer Victron Solar Controllers.
The benefit of a Victron Solar Controller is that you can program exact charge parameters through an app on your phone. This allows you to tell the solar controller to have an output of exactly a certain amount. So, in this case, you would set the output voltage to be anything under 30 volts. Since charge amperage is a function of the watts divided by volts, we will still get the same charge rate. It will just be at a lower voltage.
The simplest way to hook this up is to go straight from the solar controller to the battery and bypass the RedArc completely. This will, however, mean that you won’t see solar input from your RedArc monitor. Luckily, Victron has the app we referenced earlier that you can use to monitor your charge whenever you’re in the Bluetooth range of your controller.
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A third option is to hook the secondary solar controller to the RedArc system, which would mean you have two solar controllers running at the same time. The Victron (or whichever controller you chose) would be first in line, then the RedArc.
Doing this means that the secondary unit is doing the heavy lifting, then the RedArc controller takes over to communicate with the remote panel. This option is a little more complicated to set up, but if you want all of your data on one remote panel, it will be the best option for you if you need the secondary solar controller.
What XPLOR panel and RedArc controller solution will you choose?
These are just a few of the solutions that we have found, but we are sure some of you have found your own. We are always looking to learn and share our customers’ knowledge with the Overlanding community. Feel free to comment below with your suggestions or additional solutions!